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Galway joins multi-million programme for high-risk medtech

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news No Monkeypox cases reported in Galway to date

The CÚRAM Medical Devices Research Centre in Galway is taking part in a European programme to help high-risk medtech get to the market.

Two pressing issues in European healthcare are rising costs and the great variety in diagnoses that require different solutions, often delivered through medtech.

Against that background the TBMED (test bed for high-risk medical devices) project aims to provide development support to medtech classified as high-risk under EU regulations.

CÚRAM is one of 13 European partners in the project which has received €8.5 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework.

Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director at CÚRAM in NUI Galway said TBMED will help patients get access to emerging medical devices.

He added that partnering in this project will help in, “strengthening the growth and development of SMEs in Ireland through the Open Innovation test bed’s unique approach.”

The TBMED will help companies accelerate the development of medical devices and with experts on clinical investigations and an advisory health technology assessment team to make sure that the development process shows evidence of health and safety.

The programme will be making use of GlycoBone®, keratoprosthesis and new magnetic nanoparticle devices to improve cancer treatments based on hyperthermia.

By using three very different case studies, TBMED hopes to attract a broad range of applications and create a one-stop-shop providing Medtech companies with open access at fair conditions.

The Spanish Research Institute CIDETEC is coordinating the project which involves partners in Spain, France, Ireland and Germany.

Iraida Loinaz from Fundación CIDETEC Nanomedicine said the project will work towards a sustainable approach to development of new medtech “through the strategic involvement of existing European clusters and the use of collaboration opportunities.”

“Our aim is to strengthen the growth and development of SMEs in many different regions and increase their chances of success by bringing them in contact with potential investors interested in new products.”

Three months of N63 roadworks begin next week

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from Galway City centre roadworks

Significant roadworks on the N63 in Ballygar will start next week and take roughly three months to complete.

Roadworks on the N63 in Ballygar will be focused on improvements to the crossroads of the Main street, Killeroran Rd and Lower Main St to make it safer.

The road safety works will commence next Monday, March 11 and continue into mid June.

Work that will be taking place includes planing out parts of the existing road, putting down overlay and applying wearing course, drainage and footpath works, as well as applying road markings and installing reflective studs.

Galway county council has awarded the contract for work on the Ballygar Safety Scheme to the Tuam based company John Madden and Sons.

A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of work on the road safety scheme.

Mountbellew school submits plans for new science building

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Mountbellew vocational school gets approval for new science building

Coláiste an Chreagáin Vocational School in Mountbellew has submitted plans for a new stand alone science building.

The school’s board of management has made a planning application to the county council for a new building next to the existing school with a science classroom and preparation area.

It’s proposed that the new science building will go at the north west corner of the site along the rear courtyard wall.

Coláiste an Chreagáin is a vocational school that has operated in Mountbellew for over 80 years.

First opening it’s doors as St. Jarlath’s in 1932, the school building used to be home to the local workhouse.

It was put up for sale in 1931, and the Galway V.E.C. took out a 99 year lease, renovating it to make it fit for day and night classes in practical subjects like woodworking and dressmaking.

Today it continues to offer a wide ranging vocational education, offering Leaving Cert and PLC courses under the auspices of the GRETB.

Galway county council is due to make a decision on this planning application by the end of March.

TY students dive into ocean science at the Marine Institute

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Transition Year students from six counties study ocean science with the Marine institute

Students from Galway, Mayo, Clare, Roscommon, Dublin and, Waterford recently came to the 5th annual TY Training Week at the Marine Institute in Oranmore.

The TY students were there to shadow scientists and staff at the Institute, learning about ocean science and the technology that makes it possible.

Along the way they engaged in presentations and interactive activities related to seabed mapping, food safety, operating a research vessel and much more

Dr Peter Heffernan, CEO of the Marine Institute said it was important for programmes like to this to give students an insight into working in the marine sector.

“Increasing student’s knowledge on the importance of our marine resource, is key to supporting Ireland’s ocean economy, where highly skilled professionals are needed in the future.”

“Our TY Week Programme aims to inspire a new generation of marine professionals, and provides an insight into the diverse career opportunities on offer in Ireland’s marine sector.”

The need for education and training programmes to create the next generation of skilled professionals in the marine sector is part of Ireland’s national marine plan, Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth.

Catherine Quigley-Johnston, HR Manager Marine Institute added that it was great to see such a strong interest in working with the ocean and STEM fields among young people.

“Marine Institute staff look forward annually to this important opportunity to share their passion for science and the marine and their areas of expertise.”

Supreme Court rules against Denis O’Brien in Galway

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts

Sitting in Galway today, the Supreme Court has ruled against Denis O’Brien’s appeal over Dáil statements about his financial affairs.

Denis O’Brien was appealing a High Court decision to reject his case against the Dáil and State for comments made by Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy and Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty in 2015.

The Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss his appeal in a decision delivered earlier today.

According to the Irish Times the court said that it would be unconstitutional for the court to interfere in Oireachtas affairs in the way he sought.

The two TDs made statements in the Dáil about Mr O’Brien’s financial relationship with the state-owned Irish Bank Resolution Corporation.

He had secured an injunction against the RTÉ that April preventing the broadcaster from releasing details of that relationship.

Part of the complaint made was that Oireachtas Committee of Procedures and Privileges had not properly applied its own rules regarding the TDs statements.

In delivering the court’s opinion, Chief Justice Mr Frank Clarke said that ruling in favour of Denis O’Brien would be an attack on Dáil utterances not allowed by the constitution.

The Supreme Court is sitting in NUI Galway this week in its first ever visit to Connacht.

This week will also see the court hear the ongoing case over the grant of planning permission for the Apple data centre once planned for Athenry.

Gort Leaving Cert student pleads for a chance to attend University

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Michael Malone
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galway student university galway daily

A Leaving Cert student in Gort, Co. Galway, has appealed to the authorities for help with her legal status here so that she can attend university.  

In an interview this morning on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Sara Morais, who has been living in Ireland since 2006 but is currently undocumented, said that she wants to know what she can do to change her situation.

A promising student, Sara has been living in Gort for twelve years and attends Gort Community School.  

Last year she discovered that she would not be eligible to go to university here, despite attending primary and secondary school in Ireland, because she is undocumented.

Speaking on Adhmhaidin on RTÉRnaG, she said: “My family and I came to Ireland in 2006 … My parents didn’t want to leave (Brazil), but they knew we could have a good life here … My parents have been working here and paying tax for 12 years, just like everyone else.  

“They do everything right and legally, but we still have no legal status … I need answers.

“I want to know what we can do to change our situation.”  

Sara explained that the current situation at home has also added to the pressure she feels.

“My mother is sick at the moment.  She had a big operation at the beginning of the school year, and we found out that she has cancer.  

“Sometimes, I have to miss school because I have to go to the doctor with her because she only has a little English.  

“I have to be with her to translate… so I’m under pressure with everything this year.”

Sara’s Irish teacher, Olivia Fahy, was also interviewed on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Tuesday morning.  

She explained that there were several pupils in a similar situation to Sara.

“At the moment, there are eight pupils in this situation (undocumented) in Leaving Cert year, and after the Leaving Cert they won’t have a chance to go any further with their education and it’s a great pity.  

“As teachers here, we’re trying to highlight this problem.  We want to find out what we can do for the pupils.”

Ms Fahy said that it was unclear what the problem was with obtaining legal status.  Sara’s family has made an application for residency, but it is still with their solicitor.

“We’re not sure what the problem is, that’s why we’re here this morning. We want to find out what we can do … Sara attended primary and secondary school and now there’s a barrier in front of her.  

“We don’t think it makes any sense that she can’t get a place on a (third level) course here, because without a doubt she’d be more valuable to the community with a qualification than without.

“Sara is a very diligent student and this isn’t her fault, and she’s appealing … if anybody can give her some answers she’d be very happy to listen to them and to follow their advice to help her case.”

Is Galway tourism under threat from proposed short term let regulations?

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Michael Malone
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galway tourism galway daily

The growth of tourism in Galway could be under threat from proposed regulations on short term letting which are due to come into effect in June.

This is the view of the Irish Self Catering Federation, which is ‘totally opposed’ to the proposals set out by Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing.

The federation says the purpose of these changes to the planning code is primarily to address the longer-term rental issues and solve the housing crisis in high density areas where there is an increase in short term letting.

However, it says that the government is ignoring the scale of contribution of the self-catering sector to the Irish economy and in particular rural Ireland with the provision of bed nights and employment.

The ISCF’s members supply more than 20,000 bed nights nationwide. 

Over 80% of the self-catering accommodation providers do not have specific planning for short term rental.

The federation is holding an information meeting in Galway to discuss the changes, from 7-9pm in the Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway.

“With the increase in the VAT Rate and Brexit now looming at the end of March, we are more than fearful of the outcome this avoidable legislation will have on the tourism industry as a whole, not just our sector,” the ISCF said in a a statement.

Major conference on Connemara and Aran Islands tourism

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Conference on connemara and Aran Islansds tourism

A networking event for the local tourism industry in Connemara and the Aran Islands this month will look at steps taken to create a longer, more prosperous tourist season.

The event is being organised by the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network along with key partners Fáilte Ireland, the County Council, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.

It will take place at Peacocks Hotel, Maam Cross from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, March 13 and is open to all in the tourism industry.

A key part of the event will be the delivery an update on the Visitor Experience Development Plan for the Connemara Coast and Aran Islands which was launched by Fáilte Ireland last March.

The day will also serve as a networking event for people in the tourism sector in the west of Galway to work together on cross selling.

Miriam Kennedy, Head of the Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, urged local businesses to come along for an update on the progress of the Visitor Experience Development Plan.

Seeing this plan through will “encourage continued growth in visitor numbers to the region by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region,” she said.

Alan Farrell, Acting Director of Services at Galway County Council said tourism is a key part of the economy in Connemara and the Aran Islands.

“I believe that collaboration is critical for the success and growth of tourism and the related sectors including the food and cultural sectors for which Galway is so renowned but in which there is much more to be achieved.”

He added that it is important for public and private stakeholders to work together towards common goals in drawing more tourists.

Meadbh Seoighe, Údarás na Gaeltachta, added, “The key to attracting visitors to visit and stay in Connemara is for the industry to co-operate and work together to promote this wonderful region.”

“Anyone in this business or about to open a business should come along and share their story. We can’t promote each other unless we know about each other.”

Anybody wishing to attend the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Networking Event can confirm attendance by emailing Agnes.ODonnell@failteireland.ie.

Body recovered from Connemara beach

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

The body of a 65 year old man has been recovered from a beach in Connemara after being reported missing yesterday.

The man’s body was recovered from Mannin beach yesterday evening shortly after 8pm.

An extensive search of the area around Ballyconneely took place yesterday involving members of the local community, gardaí and emergency services.

It’s understand that the man was reported missing after he could not be found in the area of his home earlier that day.

The Coast Guard and units from Clifden Fire Brigade were also involved in the search alongside locals and gardaí.

A garda spokesperson said that the man’s remains were taken to Galway mortuary and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Contract awarded to begin work on Bonham Quay office development

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Contract awarded to begin Bonham Quay office project

A contract has been awarded for enabling works on the €105 million Bonham Quay office development.

Enabling works are expected to commence very shortly on the mixed use development of four office blocks with two cafés as part of the Bonham Quay inner city redevelopment.

The new office buildings are being constructed on the site of the former Topaz oil storage facility on Dock road, Queen street, and Bóthar na Long.

The project will consist of three eight storey blocks and one seven storey building with roof gardens, and a café/restaurant in Buildings A & C.

Building D will also include a basement level with 138 car parking space and 162 bicycle spaces.

This enabling stage of the project is expected to cost in the region of €44 million, while the full office development represent roughly an investment of €105 million.

The Bonham Quay redevelopment is being led by developer Gerry Barrett with the goal of providing much needed office space in the heart of Galway city.

Main construction work is expected to get underway later in 2019, with the project creating approximately 500 jobs in the construction sector.

Once Bonham Quay is complete is will provide 32,000sqm of Grade A office space, accommodating roughly 3,500 people.

This is one of two major urban redevelopment projects in Galway being led by Gerry Barrett.

He also holds the contract worth €450 million to develop a new urban quarter on an 8.2 acre site next to Ceannt Station, which is expected to contain 400 apartments, a 200 bed hotel, and plenty of retail units.

Plans for 74 unit housing estate in Castlegar rejected

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A housing development in Castlegar consisting of 74 residential units has been refused planning permission by the city council.

Altitude Distribution Ltd planned for a residential housing estate consisting of 60 houses and 14 apartments off School road in Castlegar.

Estate plans also included 168 parking spaces, one space per apartment and two per house.

The main point of entry and exit to the estate was going to be onto School Road.

The city council asked Altitude Distributions to increase the density of the development, saying that plot ratio in the application didn’t meet the requirements of the City Development Plan.

The developer refused to increase the number of units in the plans, saying that Castlegar is designated as an ‘Outer Suburb’ and the current ratio of 35 units per hectare is appropriate to that.

The response to the council also said they had to keep a “buffer zone” from the ESB on site, leaving 4,608 sq metres undeveloped.

However the layout of the site was re-orientated after questions were asked about excessive communal open spaces without any homes overlooking, and blank gables facing out onto the road.

Concerns were also expressed about sightlines for people exiting the housing estate onto School Road.

Castlegar Residents Association expressed it opposition to the plans, primarily due to traffic and road safety concerns.

The Residents’ Association said that the estate would double traffic on School Road, adding that in many places there are no road markings, and it isn’t wide enough for two car to pass each other.

At one point in the road there are no footpaths, making it less safe for pedestrians.

City Councillor terry O’Flaherty also made a submission echoing the concerns of the Residents’ Association.

The RA’s submission also claimed that there so many collisions in the area that gardaí rarely attend anymore, and they don’t make it into official statistics.

Galway TD says distinguished brand needed for Irish beef

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway farmers awarded €2.2 million under beef finisher scheme

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten has said that Ireland needs a world recognised brand for its “certified grass-fed, extensively reared suckler beef”.

The Independent TD has called for the establishment of a strong brand for Irish beef that could command a good price on world markets such as Kerrygold has done in the dairy sector.

He added that with Brexit looming it was important to explore greater opportunities to export live cattle to Britain, as tariffs could be lower than on beef exported as meat.

This, he said, could be the difference between “survival and wipe-out” for suckler farmers in Ireland.

“There is an opportunity to market that in a global market and get a premium price for it,” Denis Naughten said.

He was speaking in advance of the disclosure that Bord Bia are now considering such a strategy and are looking to target continental markets for suckler reared beef.

Galway has seen the largest number of cattle farmers signing up for a new pilot programme supporting suckler farming.

The Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) provides €40 per eligible calf to farmers.

Out of nearly 19,000 applications to the programme, over 2,000 were by farmers in Galway.

He added that Britain and Europe should consider the environmental advantage of importing from Ireland, rather than transporting cattle from the US or South America.

“It is important that we point out to British consumers that 70% of the deforestation of the Amazon – the lungs of our planet – is to provide land for cattle ranches,” the deputy claimed.

He went on to add that, “Some 11% of the greenhouse gas emissions involved in food production is directly linked to food transportation.”

“Surely, it makes far more sense to bring beef from Dublin to London, a distance of 464 km, than 11,000 km from Buenos Aires to London, a journey 24 times longer.”

Despite these claims, a report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation recently labelled Ireland the most carbon intensive beef producer in the world.

Slippery conditions cause multiple crashes on Galway motorways

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Briain Kelly
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Multiple crashes have been reported on Galway’s motorways today due to the weather, with gardaí urging motorists to drive carefully.

Three separate crashes have taken place on the M6 this afternoon, and another has been reported on the M18.

One crash on the M6 was at J18 eastbound at Rathmorrisey, while the other two were both between J16 Loughrea and J15 Ballinasloe West, one on each side of the motorway.

Another incident took place on the M18 southbound between J18 Rathmorrissey and J17 Kilternan.

This has also been removed to the hard shoulder, but traffic is moving slowly.

These have been all been moved over to the hard shoulder and traffic is moving.

Each of this incidents involved a single vehicle and fortunately there haven’t been any serious injuries reported.

Gardaí are urging motorists to drive slowly on the motorways after heavy showers of hail this afternoon have left roads treacherous.

Artistic collaboration will create monument to lace making history of Headford

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily life & style artistic collaboration will monument to Headford's lace making history

A artistic collaboration has been announced to honour the lace making history of Headford.

Lace Matrix will see community members in Headford working with internationally renowned artist Róisín de Buitléar to create a permanent piece of artwork celebrating that history.

Born in Dublin, Róisín is an artist and educator who has been working in glass since 1983.

Examples of her work can be found gracing many public and private spaces including the Blasket Island Centre in Kerry, the National Botanical Gardens in Dublin, and Knock Basilica in Mayo.

With work spanning architecture, sculpture, and design, her creations are also represented in national collections in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Britain, Japan, China and USA.

Róisín was awarded the first artist’s residency at the National Museum of Ireland in 2018 continuing her exploration of legacy, ornamentation and Ireland’s narrative traditions.

This latest project is part of Galway 2020’s Small Towns Big Ideas streams of events for the Capital of Culture programme.

She said that she is thrilled to be taking part in the public arts project, and working with lace.

“I have been working with the history of lace since I studied at art college, as lace making is also part of my family history.”

“My mother is from Connemara and so being involved with Small Town Big Ideas in Co Galway is special,” Roisín added.

Roisín will be working with the Headford Lace Project to develop contemporary ideas that celebrate a lacemaking tradition that goes back to the 18th century.

“When you think that people were growing flax, spinning linen threads, making and exporting lace from Headford from the 1700’s it’s a testimony to their enterprising spirit,” Róisín said.

They will be working together, including holding three workshops this March with interested members of the local community to to explore ideas around how, where and what this public artwork should be.

Workshops are free to join and no art experience is necessary. Booking essential at headfordlace@gmail.com

photo: Headford Lace Project/Facebook

Plans for Mountbellew filling station rejected

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Plans for Mountbellew filling station rejected as traffic hazard

Plans for a filling station in Mountbellew have been turned down.

A planning application was submitted to the county council to partially alter plans already granted permission for apartments and retail units to include a filling station.

The development would have consisted of a filling station with underground storage tanks, fuel pumps, and signage on College Road

There was significant public opposition to the filling station with a number of submissions made to the county council.

Locals were concerned that the station would pose a traffic and safety hazard, particularly to large numbers of children coming and going from the Holy Rosary College next door.

In refusing permission the county council said that the proposed petrol station would “endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard or obstruction of road users”.

It was also pointed out the the Natura Impact Statement included in the application identified a hydrological link between the site and the River Suck Callows SPA.

But, the council said, the NIS did not asses the potential hazard of sewerage from the site to the waterway.

This was found to pose “an unacceptable risk to receiving waters, adversely affecting the integrity and conservation objectives of protected European sites for flora and fauna”.

Lastly it was noted that the wastewater infrastructure at Mountbellew is currently at capacity, and that the developer did not consult with Irish Water about this change of plans.

Without more information about whether the sewerage infrastructure can handle the change, it was decided that it would be “prejudicial to public health” to grant planning permission.

NUI Galway plans week of events for International Women’s Day

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUI Galway plans week of events for International Women's Day
359A8595: Pictured at the announcement of the NUI Galway and Dress for Success Dublin partnership were, from left, Professor Anne Scott, Vice-President for Equality and Diversity at NUI Galway, and Sonya Lennon, founder of Dress for Success Dublin.

NUI Galway is hosting a series of public events throughout this week to celebrate International Women’s Day.

International Women’s Day takes place on Thursday, March 8, abd the university is planning a range of events promoting women in law, science and medicine, and tackling long standing issues of inequality.

It starts today as the LGBTQ+ Staff Network at NUIG is holding a public event entitled ‘Queer Women in Higher Education’.

This event aims to discuss the visibility of queer women at NUI Galway and other Higher Education Institutes by hearing first-hand stories from women on how gender and sexuality have impacted on their careers.

Tomorrow the School of law is hosting ‘Women on Supreme Courts’ at 6pm in Human Biology Building.

Current and former Supreme Court justices from around the world will discuss the role that women have played in shaping the decisions of the highest courts in the land.

On Wednesday, March 6, InnovateHer is holding an event encouraging all who work and innovate in the medtech sector to share and learn from each other.

‘NUI Galway Women in Innovation: Changing Perceptions and Inspiring Growth in Medtech’ will take place from 12:30-2pm in The View, Áras na Mac Léinn.

The university is also teaming up with charity Dress for Success Dublin to promote gender equality.

On Thursday, founder Sonya Lemmon will address up to 200 students on ‘First Steps to Success – Owning your Worth and Planning the Game Strategy’.

Students will learn how to develop their personal brand, understand their worth and optimise their career from the very beginning in the Human Biology Building.

That same day Sonya will take part in a roundtable discussion Equality in the Work Place along with Dr Michelle Millar, Head of School of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Galway, and Mr Mark Butler, Executive Vice President of European Operations at Merit Medical.

And capping off the week, on Friday the launch of the UWN Sheehy Skeffington Distinguished Lecture Series will take place.

The inaugural lecture “Standing up to injustice: my Sheehy Skeffington legacy”  by Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington will celebrate people who have shown the courage to call out injustice and who stood their ground against adversity.

Supreme Court sits in Galway for Apple Athenry case

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts

The Supreme Court is sitting in Galway today, the first trip the highest court has made to Connacht and its first time outside of a courthouse since 1932.

Coming to the west seemed only appropriate for this occasion as it’s the long running saga of the Apple data centre in Athenry the Supreme Court is hearing.

After years of judicial review, Apple announced last May that it was abandoning plans for its €850 million project in Athenry, but the appeal continues before the court.

But the court’s decision on whether planing permission was properly granted could have implications for future developments.

Before sitting in NUIG today, the court will publish its first ever annual report.

According to the report being released today the waiting time for an appeal to be heard by the Supreme Court has fallen from five years to one year.

The number of appeal applications lodged with the court rose by 10 percent last year compared with 2017.

Chief Justice Frank Clarke said that he hopes the report will give the public a greater insight into the workings of the court.

The school of law is taking advantage of this moment in legal history with a series of events embracing the history and role of the highest court.

Today the Chief Justice is delivering an address to the local legal community on ‘The Common Law Post-Brexit’.

And tomorrow will see an event on ‘Women on Supreme Courts’ as part of the university’s programme for International Women’s Day.

Current and former Supreme Court justices from around the world will discuss the role women have played in the decisions made by the highest courts.

Work begins on €3 million Meelick Weir restoration

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news work begins on Meelick Weir restoration

The sod was turned this week on a €3 million project to refurbish Meelick Weir across the Shannon.

The project will cost approximately €3 million to complete and its hoped the weir will be an excellent tourist amenity for the communities at Meelick and Eyrecourt.

It was originally built in the late 18th century as part of the Shannon Navigation.

It runs for 300m across the Shannon and was used to regulate the navigation level of the river between Athlone and Meelick.

Once providing a pedestrian connection between Meelick in Galway and Lusmagh in Offaly, it has been closed since 2015 after taking damage in multiple storms.

Restoring the weir will involve replacing the main walkway and the tilting weir boards, along with shoring it up by strengthening the bridge and embankments.

The lock gates and jetty will also needed to be replaced to bring it back to full condition.

Waterways Ireland infrastructure is investing €3.2 million on this project, which they began design work on as far back as 2012.

“It will be a great day when the communities of Meelick in County Galway and Lusmagh in County Offaly are linked again by the Weir walkway,” said Galway East TD Seán Canney.

“The whole area is full of history with the Victoria Lock, Meelick Church, the Red Bridge and the two Martello Towers.”

Youth groups in East Galway set to receive €128,000

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Tomorrow night’s Lotto jackpot heading towards an incredible €11.5 million

Youth clubs in East Galway are set to benefit from €128,497 in funding this year, and groups in the region are being urged to apply for funding.

This new funding sees an increase of 12% for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme for 2019.

The funding will bring the overall allocation for Galway/ Roscommon to €128,497 and will provide small volunteer-led youth clubs with greater capacity to reach more young people in the county during 2019.

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme supports youth work activities at a local level by providing grant aid towards the cost of running clubs and groups and is part funded by the proceeds from the National Lottery.

Minister Cannon, who confirmed the increased funding, said: “The primary focus of the scheme is to assist volunteer led youth clubs that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. 

“Clubs that work with young people but are not specifically providing youth work may also be eligible to apply under the scheme.”

Minister Cannon continued: “The scheme, which is open to new entrants, will be advertised locally and applications for funding will be invited by our Education and Training Board from local groups in their respective areas. 

“Our ETB will be advertising the scheme on its website over the coming months.

“The impact of small clubs working on the ground here in East Galway is huge and is deserving of Government support.

“Through their efforts young people are developing their talents, skills and experiences which will make them leaders of the future.

“This additional funding will mean a greater volume of volunteer-led youth activities over the next year. I encourage every volunteer club or group to check locally for application details and see how it can benefit their work.”

Galway v Waterford to be rescheduled after heavy rain

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

The National Hurling League Division 1B clash between Galway and Waterford will be rescheduled after poor weather cancelled the match.

The match was due to begin at 2pm, but the surface at Walsh Park in Waterford failed an inspection after heavy rain.

This was one of three matches that had to be called off today because of the bad weather including Cork v Tipperary and Wexford v Kilkenny in Division 1A.

The GAA has said that it will confirm new fixtures for the postponed games on Monday.

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